Fan cartridge

ABSTRACT

Technology is provided for a device sled with a fan cartridge. The device sled includes a sled chassis having a bottom wall and first and second opposed sidewalls. A pair of spaced apart channels are each coupled to the bottom wall and include an associated latch aperture. A fan cartridge is removably inserted between the pair of spaced apart channels. The fan cartridge includes a cartridge frame and one or more fans coupled to the cartridge frame. One or more latches are positioned on the cartridge frame to engage a corresponding latch aperture when the fan cartridge is inserted between the pair of spaced apart channels.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent application generally relates to data storage serverconfigurations, and more specifically, to server device platformconfigurations.

BACKGROUND

Capital and operating expenses for data centers have become anincreasing part of IT organizations' budgets over time. Data centers arecomplex facilities including many rows of data storage server racks.Each server rack has a footprint which consumes real estate, power, andcooling resources. With all the power, cooling, and cablinginfrastructure, data centers are expensive facilities to operate. Thus,each server rack's footprint should be used efficiently in order toreduce costs and maximize profit. The more storage devices housed withina server rack, the more efficient the use of the footprint. However,server racks must also be designed to provide adequate cooling, preventinterference (e.g., EMI/RFI) among devices, and facilitate safe andefficient deployment and maintenance of the systems.

While existing rack designs are functional, there is still room forimprovements in many aspects of server rack design. For example, manyservers and other computer systems contain components mounted on slidingtrays or device sleds, which allow technicians to easily access andreplace the components without having to open the chassis of thecomputer system. In some cases, a pair of elongate conductors areprovided to continuously power the device sleds as they are extendedfrom the system chassis. Thus, measures for preventing inadvertentexposure to the conductors should be considered. Furthermore, in orderto facilitate extending the device sleds from the chassis, communicationcables, which are often connected at the front of each sled, must be atleast as long as the desired travel length of the sled. This causes thecables to occupy a considerable amount of space when the sled is fullyinside the chassis. This excess cable length (e.g., service loop) shouldbe managed to prevent stress on associated connectors and to preventinterference with air-flow in the chassis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the cable management enclosure, device sled interferenceshield, fan cartridge, device sled extension limit latch, and latchhandle with plunger lock disclosed herein may be better understood byreferring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicateidentical or functionally similar elements:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a device platform with a cubby chassisaccording to a representative embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the device platform with the top removedfrom the cubby chassis.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the device platform with two device sledsremoved.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a device sled as viewed from below.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the device sled as viewed from above.

FIG. 6A is a partial isometric view of a latch handle with plunger lockaccording to a representative embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a partial isometric view of the latch handle with plungerlock in an unlatched position.

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view illustrating the latch handle in alatched position and engaging the cubby chassis.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the latch handle with plunger lock asviewed from the left.

FIG. 9A is an isometric view of the plunger lock according to arepresentative embodiment.

FIG. 9B is an exploded isometric view of the plunger lock.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial view of a device sled extension limitlatch according to a representative embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a partial isometric view of the limit latch in a latchedposition.

FIG. 11B is a partial isometric view of the limit latch in an unlatchedposition.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the latch arm.

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of a fan cartridge, according to arepresentative embodiment, inserted in a sled chassis.

FIG. 13B is an isometric view of the fan cartridge removed from the sledchassis.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial isometric view of a fan cartridge latch.

FIG. 15 is a partial isometric view of a fan cartridge channel.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a cable management enclosure accordingto a representative embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of the cable management enclosure.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the cable management enclosure with thetop portion removed.

FIG. 19A is a front isometric view of a cable management grommetaccording to a representative embodiment.

FIG. 19B is a rear isometric view of the cable management grommet.

FIG. 20 is a partial isometric view of a device sled illustrating aninterference shield according to a representative embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a partial isometric view of the interference shield removedfrom the device sled.

FIG. 22 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 21 as viewed fromthe opposite side.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do notnecessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed embodiments.Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Forexample, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may beexpanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of theembodiments. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is amenable tovarious modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments havebeen shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detailbelow. The intention, however, is not to unnecessarily limit theembodiments described. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended tocover all suitable modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

A device platform with continuously powered device sleds is disclosed.In some embodiments, the device platform is a server platform and thedevice sleds are server sleds. In an embodiment, a server platform caninclude a cubby chassis including one or more partitions defining aplurality of sled positions. A server sled can be positioned in eachsled position and continuously powered by a pair of elongate conductorseven as they are extended from the cubby chassis. This arrangement canfacilitate “hot swap” maintenance procedures.

Disclosed herein is a latch handle with a plunger lock to securely latchand lock the server sled in its corresponding sled position. In anembodiment, the server sled includes a sled chassis which has a bottomwall and a sidewall extending between a front sled portion and a rearsled portion and a latch handle. The latch handle includes a proximalend portion pivotably coupled to the sled chassis proximate the frontsled portion. A latch pawl extends from the proximal end portion of thehandle. The latch handle is pivotable between a latched position wherethe latch pawl is positioned to engage a latch feature of the cubbychassis, thereby preventing movement of the sled chassis with respect tothe cubby chassis, and an unlatched position where the latch pawl isdisengaged from the latch feature of the cubby chassis. A handle lock isdisposed on a distal end portion of the latch handle to selectively lockthe latch handle in the latched position.

In order to prevent the server sleds from being inadvertently removedfrom the cubby chassis, thereby exposing the conductors, the devicesleds can each be provided with an extension limit latch as disclosedherein. In a representative embodiment, the extension limit latch caninclude a latch arm having a proximal end portion pivotably coupled tothe sled chassis proximate the rear sled portion. A latch barb extendsfrom a mid-portion of the latch arm, and a distal end portion of the armincludes an actuation tab. The latch arm is pivotable between a latchedposition where the latch barb is positioned to engage a latch feature ofa cubby chassis, thereby preventing removal of the sled chassis from thecubby chassis, and an unlatched position where the latch barb isdisengaged from the latch feature of the cubby chassis. In someembodiments, a latch cover can be positioned on the sled chassis tocover the actuation tab, thereby preventing a user from moving the latcharm to the unlatched position without using a tool.

In some embodiments, the server sleds can include a removable fancartridge to facilitate efficient fan replacement. In a representativeembodiment, a pair of spaced apart channels can each be coupled to thebottom wall of the device chassis. Each channel can include anassociated latch aperture. The fan cartridge is removably insertedbetween the pair of spaced apart channels. In some embodiments, the fancartridge can include a cartridge frame and one or more fans coupled tothe cartridge frame. One or more latches are positioned on the cartridgeframe to engage a corresponding latch aperture when the fan cartridge isinserted between the pair of spaced apart channels. Thus, the fancartridge can be easily removed from the device chassis without tools.In some embodiments, the fan cartridge can include a cartridge connectorthat mates with a corresponding chassis connector when the fan cartridgeis inserted between the pair of spaced apart channels.

In some embodiments, the server platform can include a cable managementenclosure to manage communication cable service loops. In arepresentative embodiment, the cable management enclosure can include anelongate bottom panel having a first end portion and a second endportion. A front panel is coupled to the first end portion and has atleast one elongate aperture positioned to receive the service loop ofone of the communication cables. An elongate grommet is mounted in eachof the elongate apertures to help retain the service loop in theenclosure. An end panel is coupled to the second end portion and a coveris coupled to at least one of the bottom panel, the front panel, and theend panel. The cover can include a top panel and a pair of side panels.

In some embodiments, each device sled chassis can include a removableinterference shield to protect against electromagnetic interference(EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). In a representativeembodiment, a shield support bracket is coupled to a first sidewall ofthe sled chassis and an interference shield is removably coupled to theshield support bracket and the device chassis' second sidewall. Theinterference shield can include a shield panel, first and second opposedside flanges extending from the shield panel, and a latch coupled to thefirst side flange and positioned to engage the shield support bracket.In some embodiments, a handle is coupled to the shield panel andpositioned adjacent the latch such that the latch can be disengaged fromthe shield support bracket by a user's thumb or other portion of theuser's hand when the handle is grasped. Accordingly, the shield can beeasily removed without tools to maintain sled components behind theshield.

General Description

Various examples of the technologies introduced above will now bedescribed in further detail. The following description provides specificdetails for a thorough understanding and enabling description of theseexamples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, thatthe techniques discussed herein may be practiced without many of thesedetails. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understandthat the technology can include many other features not described indetail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions maynot be shown or described in detail below so as to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the relevant description.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadestreasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with adetailed description of some specific examples of the embodiments.Indeed, some terms may even be emphasized below; however, anyterminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will beovertly and specifically defined as such in this section.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device platform 100 includes a cubbychassis 110 configured to mount into a component rack (not shown) andhouse one or more device sleds 200 containing on or more devices (e.g.,server and/or memory modules). The illustrated cubby chassis 110 can bea sheet metal chassis, and it can include four sled positions 122 sizedand configured to receive a device sled 200 or a cable managementenclosure 600 in each position. As explained more fully below, the cablemanagement enclosure 600 is configured to house excess cable length,such as a communication cable 102, when a corresponding device sled 200is in a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The cubbychassis 110 of other embodiments can have a greater or fewer number ofsled positions 122. The cubby chassis 110 includes a top panel 112(FIG. 1) and a bottom panel 114 as shown in FIG. 3. With continuedreference to FIG. 3, the cubby chassis 110 includes spaced apartsidewalls 116 and an end wall 118. Three partitions 120 are positionedbetween the top and bottom panels (112, 114) to divide the cubby chassis110 into the four sled positions 122.

Each of the four sled positions 122 can include a pair of elongateconductors 124 extending along the length of the sled positions 122 inorder to continuously provide power to a corresponding device sled 200as the sled is moved in and out of the cubby chassis 110 formaintenance. In some embodiments, the elongate conductors 124 aredisposed on an elongate conductor support, such as a conductor printedcircuit board (PCB) 126.

As shown in FIG. 4, the illustrated device sled 200 includes a sledchassis 202 having opposed first and second sidewalls 204 and 206 with arecessed bottom wall 208 extending therebetween. The bottom wall 208 andthe sidewalls 204 and 206 extend between a front portion 230 and a rearportion 232. In some embodiments, conductive elements 210 are mounted ona bottom-plane PCB 212 for sliding contact with the pair of elongateconductors 124 (FIG. 3) on the bottom panel 114 of the cubby chassis110. In some embodiments, the conductive elements 210 are spring biasedtoward the pair of elongate conductors 124. A conductor guide 214 can bemounted to the bottom-plane PCB 212 to surround the conductive elements210. In some embodiments, the conductor guide 214 includes a pair ofopposed grooves 216 adapted to slideably receive the conductor PCB 126(FIG. 3). The sled chassis 202 slides along the bottom panel 114 betweenstowed (e.g., FIG. 3) and extended positions (e.g., FIG. 10) withconstant contact between the conductor elements 210 and the elongateconductors 124 to provide continuous power as the device sled 200 movesbetween the stowed and extended positions. Additional examples ofcontinuously powered device sleds are described in U.S. Pat. No.9,693,477 and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/619,407,filed Jun. 9, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

As shown in FIG. 5, the device sled chassis 202 can be configured tocontain several devices, such as server modules 220. Although theembodiments are, in some instances, described herein with respect toservers, other computer devices, such as memory and graphics processingunits, etc., can be used or contained in the device sleds 200. In someembodiments, the device sleds 200 can be latched in the stowed positionwith a latch handle mechanism 300.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the latch handle mechanism 300 can includea latch handle 302 and a handle lock 304 to selectively lock the latchhandle in the latched position (e.g., FIG. 6A). A strike bracket 320 ismounted to the sidewall 204 and positioned such that the handle lock 304releasably engages a bracket aperture 322 formed in the strike bracket320 when the latch handle 302 is in the latched position.

The latch handle 302 includes a proximal end portion 306 movably coupledto the sidewall 204 proximate the front sled portion 230. In someembodiments, the proximal end portion 306 is coupled to the sidewall 204with a pivot pin 305, for example. The latch handle 302 is pivotable orotherwise movable between the latched position (FIG. 6A) and anunlatched position (FIG. 6B). In some embodiments, the proximal endportion 306 can include a limit slot 312 positioned on a stop pin 314secured to the sidewall 204, whereby rotational movement of the latchhandle 302 toward the latched and unlatched positions is limited. Insome embodiments, the proximal end portion 306 can include a detentconfiguration, such as a detent spring 316 positioned for engagingdetent holes 318, to help hold the latch handle 302 in differentrotational positions.

A latch pawl 308 and an opposing ejector pawl 310 extend from theproximal end portion 306. When the latch handle 302 is in the latchedposition, the latch pawl 308 is positioned to releasably engage a latchfeature, such as a latch aperture 130, shown in FIG. 7. In someembodiments, the latch aperture 130 is formed in the bottom panel 114 ofthe cubby chassis 110. The latch pawl 308 prevents movement of thedevice sled 200 with respect to the cubby chassis 110 when the latchhandle 302 is in the latched position. The ejector pawl 310 worksagainst a front edge 115 of the bottom panel 114 as the latch handle 302is moved toward the unlatched position, thereby levering the device sled200 from its sled position 122 as the latch pawl 308 disengages thelatch aperture 130. Once the latch pawl 308 is disengaged from the latchaperture 130, the device sled 200 can be moved toward the extendedposition for maintenance.

As shown in FIG. 8, the latch handle 302 extends from the proximal endportion 306 to a distal end portion 324. In some embodiments, the latchhandle 302 includes an arcuate portion 326. As best shown in FIG. 8, thedetent spring 316 can comprise a leaf spring with a centrally positionedprotrusion 317 adapted to engage the detent holes 318 (FIGS. 6A and 6B).In some embodiments, the detent spring 316 can be mounted in a slot 321with fasteners 323.

The handle lock 304 is disposed on the distal end portion 324 andincludes a lock plunger 330 and a button 332 operative to move theplunger 330 toward a retracted (i.e., unlocked) position when the buttonis depressed by a user. When the latch handle 302 is in the latchedposition, the plunger 330 engages the bracket aperture 322 (FIG. 6B),thereby locking the latch handle 302 in the latched position. The distalend portion 324 can include orthogonally oriented mounting flanges 325and 327. The handle lock 304 is attached to the mounting flanges 325 and327 with fasteners 329.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the handle lock 304 includes a housing 340and a mating side cover 342. In some embodiments, a resilient member,such as a compression spring 344, is positioned between the housing 340and the lock plunger 330 to urge the plunger 330 toward an extended(i.e., locked) position. In some embodiments, the plunger includes ashoulder 331 to capture the spring 344 in a pocket (not shown) formed inthe housing 340. The button 332 includes a cam portion 350 configured toact against a surface 351 to cause an associated cam aperture 348 tomove away from the surface 351 when the button 332 is depressed by auser. A plunger pin 346 extends through both the cam aperture 348 and aplunger cross-hole 333, thereby coupling the plunger 330 to the camportion 350. Accordingly, as the button 332 is depressed the plunger 330is moved toward the retracted (i.e., unlocked) position.

As shown in FIG. 10, each device sled 200 can include an extension limitlatch 400 operative to engage a latching feature on the cubby chassis110 when the device sled 200 is moved to the extended position in orderto prevent the device sled 200 from being inadvertently removed from thecubby chassis 110. Removing a device sled 200 from the cubby chassis 110disconnects the device sled 200 from the corresponding elongateconductors 124 (FIG. 3) and leaves the conductors exposed where theycould be inadvertently contacted and damaged. In some embodiments, thelatching feature can comprise a barb aperture 132 formed in the toppanel 112 of the cubby chassis 110 which is releasably engaged by alatch member, such as latch barb 402. The latch barb 402 can have anysuitable size or shape configured to extend at least partially into thebarb aperture for engagement with the top panel and/or to block thedevice sled 200 from moving relative to the cubby chassis when thelatching feature is in the latched position.

As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the extension limit latch 400 can includea latch arm 404 coupled to the sidewall 204 proximate the rear sledportion 232 with a pivot pin 406. The latch arm 404 is pivotable betweena latched position (FIG. 11A) and an unlatched position (FIG. 11B). Inthe latched position, the latch barb 402 is positioned to engage thebarb aperture 132 (FIG. 10), thereby preventing removal of the devicesled 200 from the cubby chassis 110, and in the unlatched position thelatch barb 202 is disengaged from the barb aperture 132, therebyallowing the device sled 200 to be removed from the cubby chassis 110(FIG. 10). A resilient member, such as a torsion spring 408, ispositioned between the latch arm 404 and the sidewall 204 to urge thelatch arm 404 toward the latched position. In some embodiments, a cover410 is positioned over the latch arm 404, thereby preventing a user frommoving the latch arm to the unlatched position without the use of atool, such as a stylus or screw driver, for example.

As shown in FIG. 12, the latch arm 404 includes a proximal end portion412 having a pivot aperture 416 for pivotably coupling the latch arm 404to the sled chassis. The latch barb 402 extends from a mid-portion 415of the latch arm 404. The distal end portion 414 of the latch arm 404includes an actuation tab 418 having a notch 420. The notch 420 providesan opening between the actuation tab 418 and the cover 410 (FIG.11A/11B). The notch 420 is sized to provide an opening just large enoughto receive a tool, but not a user's finger. The mid-portion of the latcharm 404 can also include a spring notch 422 to hold an end of thetorsion spring 408 (FIG. 11A/11B) in position.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, each device sled 200 can include a fancartridge 500 removably inserted between a pair of channels 502. Eachchannel 502 is coupled to a bottom wall 208 of the device sled chassis202 (FIG. 4) in spaced apart relation to each other. The fan cartridge500 can include a cartridge frame 504 and two fans 506 coupled to thecartridge frame 504. In some embodiments, the fan cartridge 500 includesa cartridge connector 508 positioned proximate a first end portion 505of the cartridge frame 504 to mate with a corresponding chassisconnector 510 when the fan cartridge 500 is inserted between thechannels 502. In some embodiments, the cartridge frame 504 includes apair of latches 512 positioned proximate a second end portion 507 of thecartridge frame 504 to engage a corresponding latch aperture 514 whenthe fan cartridge 500 is inserted between the pair of spaced apartchannels 502.

As shown in FIG. 14, each of the latches 512 can be positioned in acorresponding latch pocket 516 and retained therein with fasteners 518.Each latch 512 can include a latch barb 520 connected to a latch tab 522such that depressing the latch tab 522 moves the latch barb 520 awayfrom and out of the associated latch aperture 514 allowing the fancartridge 500 to be removed from the channels 502.

As shown in FIG. 15, each channel 502 can include a central panel 524having opposed longitudinal sides and a pair of rails 526 and 528 eachextending at least partially along a corresponding one of thelongitudinal sides of the central panel 524. In some embodiments, thecentral panel 524 can include a recessed region 530 positioned toreceive a corresponding latch pocket 516 when the fan cartridge 500 isinstalled between the channels 502. In some embodiments, the fancartridge 500 and the pair of spaced apart channels 502 can comprise afan assembly mountable to a device sled chassis.

As shown in FIG. 16, the cable management enclosure 600 is an elongateenclosure configured to contain the service loop of one or more cables,such as the communication cable 102 (FIG. 1), when a correspondingdevice sled 200 is in the stowed position. When the device sled 200 ismoved out of the cubby chassis 110, the cable 102 can be withdrawn fromthe enclosure 600 to provide enough length to move the device sled 200to the extended position (FIG. 10). The enclosure 600 can includegrommets 602 mounted in a front panel 604 to help retain the cableswithin the enclosure when the device sled 200 is stowed. In someembodiments, the cable management enclosure 600 can have the samegeneral dimensions as the device sleds 200 in order to fit into one ofthe sled positions 122 (FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 17, the cable management enclosure 600 includes anelongate bottom panel 608 having a first end portion 610 and a secondend portion 612. The front panel 604 is coupled to the first end portion610 and an end panel 614 is coupled to the second end portion 612. Thefront panel 604 of the illustrated embodiment includes obround apertures606 sized to receive corresponding grommets 602. The apertures 606 inthe front panel 604 and the corresponding grommets 602 in otherembodiments can have other shapes and sizes while still allowingmovement of the cables into and out of the cable management enclosure600.

A cover 616 is coupled to at least one of the bottom panel 608, thefront panel 604, and the end panel 614. In some embodiments, the cover616 is coupled to all of the panels including the bottom panel 608, thefront panel 604, and the end panel 614. In some embodiments, the cover616 includes a top panel 618 and a pair of side panels 620. Twoenclosure partitions 622 are positioned in the enclosure to define atleast three cable containment regions 623, each corresponding to one ofthe three grommets 602. Although three vertically oriented cablecontainment regions 623 are described herein, other arrangements arepossible. For example, in other embodiments the enclosure can have agreater or fewer number of cable containment regions. In otherembodiments, some or all of the cable containment regions can beoriented horizontally.

In some embodiments, the cable management enclosure 600 can include alatch, such as a top latch 624. The top latch 624 can be mounted to thetop panel 618 with a barb 626 extending through an aperture 628 toengage a corresponding barb aperture 132 (FIG. 10). In some embodiments,the top latch 624 can comprise a leaf spring attached to the top panel618 at one end, whereby the barb 626 is urged toward a latched position.In some embodiments, the front panel 604 includes a release aperture 632through which a tool can be inserted to push on a ramped surface 630,thereby moving the barb 626 from the latched position.

As shown in FIG. 18, the cable management enclosure 600 can also includea bottom latch 625 mounted to the bottom panel 608. The bottom latch 625can be constructed in a similar manner as that described above withrespect to the top latch 624. For example, the bottom latch 625 caninclude a barb 627 positioned to releasably engage a corresponding latchaperture 130 (FIG. 7). In some embodiments, the front panel 604 includesa release aperture 633 through which a tool can be inserted to unlatchthe barb 627. The bottom panel 608 can include a recessed region 652 toprovide clearance for a conductor PCB 126, whereby the cable managementenclosure 600 can be inserted into any of the sled positions 122 (FIG.3).

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the grommets 602 can include an exteriorflange 640 confronting an exterior surface of the front panel 604 (FIG.18). The grommets 602 also include an elongate slit 642 having asurrounding flexible interior flange 643. The interior flange 643 isflexible to allow a loop of cable to be pushed through the slit 642. Insome embodiments, the interior flange 643 includes openings sized andconfigured to receive different cable types. For example, in thedepicted embodiment, the interior flange 643 includes oval openings 644to receive flat cables and smaller round openings 646 to receive roundcables. As best shown in FIG. 19B, the grommets 602 each include asurrounding groove 650 positioned to engage a surrounding edge margin ofthe obround apertures 606 (FIG. 18).

As shown in FIG. 20, each device sled 200 can include an interferenceshield 700 removably coupled to a shield support bracket 702 and thesecond sidewall 206 of the sled chassis 202. The removable interferenceshield 700 provides EMI and RFI protection for the device sled 200 andalso provides access to components within the front end portion 230 ofthe device sled 200 by being easily removable. In some embodiments, theinterference shield 700 and the shield support bracket 702 can comprisean electrically conductive material, such as metal, for example.

With further reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, in a representativeembodiment, the shield support bracket 702 is coupled to the firstsidewall 204 and includes three bracket mounting features, such as pins720. The bracket mounting pins 720 can be pressed into, or otherwisesecured to, the bracket side flange 724, as shown. The bracket sideflange 724 can also include a shield latch aperture 722 positioned toengage a shield latch 730 disposed on a shield panel 704. Theinterference shield panel 704 and the shield support bracket 702 caninclude a plurality of air flow apertures 706 and 707, respectively.First and second opposed side flanges, 710 and 712, respectively, extendfrom the shield panel 704. The first side flange 710 can include one ormore first slots 740 (FIG. 22) positioned to receive a corresponding oneof the bracket mounting pins 720 (FIG. 21). The second side flange 712can include one or more second slots 742 (FIG. 21) each positioned toreceive a corresponding sidewall mounting pin 744 (FIG. 22). The firstand second slots 740 and 742 can be configured to clip onto theircorresponding mounting pins 720 and 744 in order to help retain theshield 700 in the sled chassis 202.

As best shown in FIG. 22, the shield latch 730 can be coupled to thefirst side flange 710 and can include a latch barb 731 positioned toreleasably engage the shield support bracket shield latch aperture 722(FIG. 21). In some embodiments, a handle 750 can be coupled to theshield panel 704 and positioned adjacent the latch 730 such that thelatch 730 can be disengaged from the shield support bracket 702 by auser's thumb or other portion of the user's hand when the handle 750 isgrasped. The handle 750 allows a user to then pull the shield 700 fromthe chassis 202. In some embodiments, the shield panel 704 includes oneor more connector apertures 760 formed therethrough and positioned toreceive corresponding connectors when the interference shield 700 iscoupled to the shield support bracket 702 and the second sidewall 206.

In some embodiments, the interference shield 700 includes opposed upperand lower flanges 711 and 713, respectively. In some embodiments, one ormore spring contacts 762 can be disposed on each of the first and secondside flanges (710, 712) and the upper and lower flanges (711, 713). Thespring contacts 762 help ensure that continuity is established betweenthe sled chassis 202, the cubby chassis top panel 112 (FIG. 1), and theinterference shield 700.

Remarks

The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to beconstrued as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in someinstances, well-known details are not described in order to avoidobscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be madewithout deviating from the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, theembodiments are not limited except as by the appended claims.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated thatthe same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently,alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of theterms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placedupon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonymsfor some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does notexclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in thisspecification, including examples of any term discussed herein, isillustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope andmeaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, thedisclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in thisspecification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientificterms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the caseof conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

1. A device sled, comprising: a sled chassis having a bottom wall andfirst and second opposed sidewalls; a pair of spaced apart channels,each coupled to the bottom wall and including an associated latchaperture; and a fan cartridge removably inserted between the pair ofspaced apart channels, the fan cartridge comprising: a cartridge frame;one or more fans coupled to the cartridge frame; and one or more latchespositioned on the cartridge frame to releasably engage a correspondinglatch aperture when the fan cartridge is inserted between the pair ofspaced apart channels, wherein each channel of the pair of spaced apartchannels comprises a central panel having opposed longitudinal sides anda pair of rails, each rail extending at least partially along acorresponding one of the longitudinal sides of the central panel,wherein each of the central panels includes a recessed region forming acavity designed to receive a latch pocket, each latch pocket beingconfigured to receive a latch, each latch pocket comprising a latchaperture, wherein each of the one or more latches is positioned in acorresponding latch pocket located proximate the second end portion ofthe cartridge frame, and wherein each latch includes a barb connected toa latch tab that extends through each associated latch aperture in eachlatch pocket.
 2. The device sled of claim 1, wherein the pair of spacedapart channels are each coupled to a corresponding one of the first andsecond opposed sidewalls.
 3. The device sled of claim 1, wherein the oneor more fans comprises two fans.
 4. The device sled of claim 1, whereinthe fan cartridge further comprises a cartridge connector mated with acorresponding chassis connector when the fan cartridge is insertedbetween the pair of spaced apart channels.
 5. The device sled of claim4, wherein the cartridge frame includes opposed first and second endportions, and wherein the cartridge connector is positioned proximatethe first end portion and the one or more latches are positionedproximate the second end portion.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. Thedevice sled of claim 4, wherein at least one of the central panelsincludes a recessed region positioned to receive the latch pocket.
 9. Adevice sled fan assembly, comprising: a pair of channels, each mountableto a device sled chassis in spaced apart relation to each other, andeach including an associated latch aperture; and a fan cartridgeremovably insertable between the pair of channels, the fan cartridgecomprising: cartridge frame; one or more fans coupled to the cartridgeframe; and one or more latches positioned on the cartridge frame toengage a corresponding latch aperture when the fan cartridge is insertedbetween the pair of spaced apart channels, wherein each channel of thepair of channels comprises a central panel having opposed longitudinalsides and a pair of rails, each rail extending at least partially alonga corresponding one of the longitudinal sides of the central panel,wherein each of the central panels includes a recessed region forming acavity designed to receive a latch pocket, each latch pocket beingconfigured to receive a latch, each latch pocket comprising a latchaperture, wherein each of the one or more latches is positioned in acorresponding latch pocket located proximate the second end portion ofthe cartridge frame, and wherein each latch includes a barb connected toa latch tab that extends through each associated latch aperture in eachlatch pocket.
 10. The fan assembly of claim 9, wherein the pair ofchannels are each couplable to at least a bottom wall of the sledchassis.
 11. The fan assembly of claim 9, wherein the fan cartridgefurther comprises a cartridge connector mated with a correspondingchassis connector when the fan cartridge is inserted between the pair ofspaced apart channels.
 12. The fan assembly of claim 11, wherein thecartridge frame includes opposed first and second end portions, andwherein the cartridge connector is positioned proximate the first endportion and the one or more latches are positioned proximate the secondend portion.
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. The fan assembly of claim12, wherein at least one of the central panels includes a recessedregion positioned to receive the latch pocket.
 16. A device sled fanassembly, comprising: a pair of channels, each couplable to a bottomwall of a device sled chassis in spaced apart relation to each other,and each including an associated latch aperture; and a fan cartridgeremovably insertable between the pair of channels, the fan cartridgecomprising: a cartridge frame; two fans coupled to the cartridge frame;a cartridge connector mateable with a corresponding chassis connectorwhen the fan cartridge is inserted between the pair of channels; and twolatches, each positioned on the cartridge frame to engage acorresponding latch aperture when the fan cartridge is inserted betweenthe pair of spaced apart channels, wherein each channel of the pair ofchannels comprises a central panel having opposed longitudinal sides anda pair of rails, each rail extending at least partially along acorresponding one of the longitudinal sides of the central panel,wherein each of the central panels includes a recessed region forming acavity designed to receive a latch pocket, each latch pocket beingconfigured to receive a latch, each latch pocket comprising a latchaperture, wherein each of the one or more latches is positioned in acorresponding latch pocket located proximate the second end portion ofthe cartridge frame, and wherein each latch includes a barb connected toa latch tab that extends through each associated latch aperture in eachlatch pocket.
 17. The fan assembly of claim 16, wherein the cartridgeframe includes opposed first and second end portions, and wherein thecartridge connector is positioned proximate the first end portion andthe latches are positioned proximate the second end portion. 18.(canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. The fan assembly of claim 17, wherein eachcentral panel includes a recessed region positioned to receive acorresponding one of the latch pockets.